Tails of Marin: Guinea pigs can be sociable pets for families

ADOPT A RESCUED Guinea Pig Month began in 2002 when the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals declared the month of March as devoted to raising awareness about guinea pigs in shelters.

Guinea pigs are one of the most popular small animals adopted at the Marin Humane Society. Also known as cavies, guinea pigs are social animals and are a wonderful addition to any family.

Spend some time with guinea pigs, and you'll quickly understand why they are so popular. Besides being unbelievably cute, they are small, relatively easy to care for, quiet and love sitting in laps and getting attention. Compared to other small animals, guinea pigs are a good choice for families with children since they are relatively easy for small hands to hold.

As with all pets, young children should always be supervised by an adult when handling the animals. A guinea pig's back and spine are very delicate and need to be handled carefully. A safe way for children to hold them is to wrap them up in a towel and then put them on their lap. Or, children can sit on the floor and let their guinea pig come to them.

Guinea pigs live on average six to seven years, so the decision to adopt one must be made carefully. They require daily care and socialization. They can live in a large cage or in a specially designed free-standing enclosure, which should be cleaned every three to four days. They should be out of their cage daily for some running around time. This not only helps with processing their food but also with mental stimulation.

The animals should live indoors where they are safe from the many predators that roam our county. Plus, they can be sensitive to heat, cold and drafts. Keeping them indoors ensures that the temperature will always be right. Their claws should be checked and trimmed every few months. They should be fed a diet that includes unlimited amounts of timothy hay, quality commercial pellets and fresh veggies. As with all pets, they also should visit a veterinarian at least once a year for a thorough examination.

Every guinea pig has its own unique personality. Some are more outgoing than others. Some will fall asleep in your lap. Some will purr when being scratched on its head. Some will come over to the side of the cage to let you know they are ready for some affection.

Guinea pigs are most active in the early morning and early evening; during the day they are couch potatoes. Generally quiet, they will sometimes squeal with delight when they hear their family nearby or hear the refrigerator opening (veggie time!). My mother told me that my guinea pig used to squeal when she heard my car pulling into the driveway. I can guarantee you that when they squeal, you'll instantly smile.

Guinea pigs are a great deal happier with a friend, so consider adopting a pair. A single guinea pig can be very lonely, especially if his family is busy. Piggies can snuggle together when scared or when they need some extra warmth. They also enjoy chasing each other around, sharing food and just having some company. Two (or more) guinea pigs around means less time for a family member to wait to have one in his or her lap!

If you aren't sure if a guinea pig is right for your family, do some research. An excellent website to visit is cavyspirit.com. Or, come to the Marin Humane Society to meet our guinea pigs and bring us your questions. We can help you find the right match for your family.

Suzanne Gollin is the small companion animal evaluator for the Marin Humane Society, which contributes Tails of Marin articles. Go to MarinHumaneSociety.org or visit our Marin Pets blog on MarinIJ.com.